Israel claims Hizbullah tried to kidnap businessmen abroad

Published September 2nd, 2008 - 09:09 GMT

Israeli security agencies have foiled at least five attempts by the Lebanese Hizbullah to abduct Israeli businessmen in Africa, Asia, and South Americ

Israeli security agencies have foiled at least five attempts by the Lebanese Hizbullah to abduct Israeli businessmen in Africa, Asia, and South America, Israeli newspapers reported on Tuesday. Each time, the Lebanese Shiite group tried to use "sleeper cells", the Tel Aviv-based Yediot Aharonot reported.

This daily and other newspapers cited unnamed Israeli security officials and said further details about the plots remain under official censorship.

Israel has been on high alert since senior Hizbullah military commander Imad Mughnieh was assassinated in a car bombing in Damascus in February. Hezbollah chieftain Hassan Nasrallah blamed Israel for the killing and has repeatedly vowed to avenge the killing.

Last month, Israel issued a warning to its citizens living and travelling abroad to take extra precautions against possible Hizbullah attacks or abductions.